Biotransformation enzyme activities and phase I metabolites analysis in Litopenaeus vannamei following intramuscular administration of T-2 toxin

Abstract

T-2 toxin (T-2) is a type-A trichothecene produced by Fusarium that causes toxicity to animals. T-2 contamination of grain-based aquatic feed is a concern for the industries related to edible aquatic crustacean species such as the shrimp industry because it can lead to serious food safety issues. T-2, its metabolites, and selected phase I (EROD, CarE) and phase II (GST, UGT, SULT) detoxification enzymes in hemolymph and tissues were monitored at 0, 5, 10 15, 30, 45, and 60 min following T-2 intramuscular administration (3 mg/kg bw) in shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Marked increases of EROD activity in hepatopancreas and CarE activity in hemolymph, gill, hepatopancreas and intestine were observed followed by increases in phase II enzymes (GST, UGT, SULT) in hepatopancreas, hemolymph, intestine and gill, which remained elevated for an extended period. Time-dependent decrease in shrimp tissue T-2 concentration was observed. HT-2 increased up to 15 min. Most other T-2 metabolites were detected but not T-2 tetraol. Enzyme responses on exposure to T-2 were tissue-specific and time-dependent. Detection results indicated that HT-2 may not be the only important metabolite in aquatic crustacean species. Further investigation into T-2 metabolite toxicity is needed to fully understand the food safety issues related to T-2.

Keywords:

• Litopenaeus vannamei
• T-2 toxin
• metabolizing enzymes
• carboxylesterase
• metabolite analysis

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) [No. 31171634 and No. 31371777], the Science, Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province [No. 2014B020205006], the Guangdong Oceanic & Fishery Administration Project [Guangdong Fiscal Government on Agriculture [2015] No. 115], a Project of the Enhancing Innovation School of Guangdong Ocean University [No. 2013050205 and No. 2014050203 and No. GDOU 2013050312] and the Shenzhen Technology Research & Development Foundation Project [GCZX20140509163151273].